Marking device

ABSTRACT

A marking device is disclosed. The marking device includes a marker housing. The marker housing includes an attachment portion configured to pivotally attach the marker housing to a pole. The marker housing also includes a translucent portion formed around at least a portion of the housing. The marker housing also includes an environmental seal. The marking device includes an electrical light positioned within the marker housing and oriented toward the translucent portion, and a programmable circuit configured to activate the electrical light in one or more marking flashing patterns. The environmental seal protects the electrical light and programmable circuit from external environmental conditions. Optionally, the device can clip to a marker such as a flag to indicate the existence of a hazardous condition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/877,961, filed Dec. 29, 2006 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a marking device. In particular, the present invention relates to a marking device including an electrical light and integrated clip.

BACKGROUND

Various portable marking kits exist that can be installed manually or by a machine or vehicle. Such marking kits generally include a variety of equipment and indicator types, and are configured to be placed at the location of a hazard, such as a chemical, biological radiological, nuclear or explosive hazard (CBRNE) and can be utilized to provide a “clear lane” through or around such areas. These marking kits can be carried by the user or vehicle, and one or more pieces of equipment included in the marking kit may be used to mark the hazard.

Also, lighting devices exist that might be selectively turned on or off by a user. Such lighting devices, such as flashlights or lantern-type devices, are generally handheld devices or devices configured to rest on a flat surface such as a table. These lighting devices are intended to brightly and continuously illuminate a limited area around the device.

Turning on and off lighting devices at a specific frequency or pattern may be accomplished manually or via electronic control. Those devices which generate an electronically controlled flash pattern generally output a regular flashing pattern. These flashing patterns are easily confused with other naturally-occurring light sources, such as house lights, fireflies, or other non-marker light sources.

Also, lighting devices can be difficult to operate while wearing gloves or other hand protection, because the activation button for the lighting device may be small or otherwise require careful tactile engagement.

For these and other reasons, improvements are desirable.

SUMMARY

The above and other problems are solved by the following:

In a first aspect, a marking device is disclosed. The marking device includes a marker housing. The marker housing includes an attachment portion configured to pivotally attach the marker housing to a pole. The marker housing also includes a translucent portion formed around at least a portion of the housing. The marker housing also includes an environmental seal. The marking device includes an electrical light positioned within the translucent portion of the marker housing, and a programmable circuit configured to selectably activate the electrical light in one or more marking flashing patterns. The environmental seal protects the internal circuitry and electrical light from external environmental conditions.

In a second aspect, a method of using a marking device is disclosed. The method includes determining a location to place the marking device. The method further includes vertically locating a pole at the location. The method also includes pivotally attaching the marking device to the pole via an attachment portion of the marking device. The method also includes initializing the marking device to activate one or more flashing patterns.

In a third aspect, a marking device is disclosed. The marking device includes a marker housing. The marker housing has an attachment portion including a reusable sleeve and a snap fit structure, the attachment portion configured to pivotally attach the marker housing to a pole. The marker housing also has a transparent portion formed around at least a portion of the marker housing, the transparent portion including a lens oriented to disperse light emanating from within the marker housing. The marker housing also has an environmental seal configured to protect the marking equipment and electrical light from external environmental conditions, and a clip positioned near the transparent portion configured to hold marking equipment. The marking device includes an electrical light positioned within the transparent portion of the marker housing. The marking device further includes a programmable circuit internal to the marker housing and configured to selectably activate the electrical light in one or more marking flashing patterns.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of a marking device according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic view of the marking device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the marking device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the marking device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the marking device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an electrical circuit incorporated into a marking device according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of methods and systems of operating a signaling device in a marking device according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, the present disclosure relates to a marking device. The marking device can be configured to attach to a pole, and includes an electrical light for illuminating a marker or sign such as a flag hung in proximity with the marking device. The marking device can be configured to hold a variety of marking equipment. The electrical light can flash in various patterns to signify that the light source is a marking device, rather than some other type of light or signaling device.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, a marking device 10 is shown according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure. The marking device 10 is generally used to mark a location of interest. For example, the marking device 10 can indicate the location of a hazard such as a chemical, radioactive, or biological hazard.

The marking device 10 includes a marker housing 12 having an attachment portion 14 and a translucent portion 16. The marker housing 12 is an environmentally protective enclosure, and can be made from any number of materials. In the embodiment shown, the marker housing is substantially cylindrical, and has a battery 18 held within a hollow interior portion 19. In various embodiments, the marker housing 12 is constructed from molded plastic, rubber and/or metal components. The battery used for the marking device 10 can be of any of a number of sizes, capacities, or voltages, and may take up more or less of the space within the hollow interior portion 19 as compared to the battery 18 shown in FIGS. 1-5.

The attachment portion 14 is configured to attach the marker housing 12 to a pole (not shown). The attachment portion 14 allows the marker housing to freely pivot about the pole 12. In the embodiment shown, the attachment portion 14 consists of a sleeve 15 which slides over the top of the pole, as well as a snap fit structure 17 configured to snap into a top center opening of a pole to which the marking device 10 is mounted. In various embodiments, the pole to which the marker housing 12 can be attached can include an expandable pole, such as a lightweight telescoping pole configured to be at least partially implanted in the ground so as to provide a vertical pole for mounting the marking device 10. The attachment portion 14 optionally allows the marking device 10 to be detached from the pole and reattached to the same or a different pole. In such embodiments, the attachment portion 14 may include a gripping or connection arrangement internal to the sleeve 15, or may alternately have a reusable-type snap fit structure 17.

The translucent portion 16 allows light to pass through the marker housing 12, so that a light located within the interior portion 19 of the marker housing 12 can provide illumination external to the marker housing. In the embodiment shown, the translucent portion 16 includes a bottom hemispherical portion of the marker housing 12, so as to shine on a flag or sign positioned below the marking device 10. In certain embodiments, the translucent portion 16 includes a lens configured to direct or scatter light from a light source internal to the housing 12 to improve the visibility and brightness of light emanating from the interior of the housing. The lens can be any of a number of types of lenses useable to disperse light; in certain embodiments, the lens is a Fresnel lens formed in at least a part of the translucent portion. The Fresnel lens design is oriented to disperse light to ensure high visibility at long distances (e.g. up to approximately 2,000 meters) and also to direct light onto a flag or other marker hung from a clip (described below) on the housing to maximize visibility of the marker. Additional portions of the marker housing 12 can be translucent or transparent as well so as to allow visual inspection of the contents of the interior portion 19 without having to open the marker housing 12.

The battery 18 resides within the interior portion 19 of the marker housing 12, which is configured to accept various battery types and sizes adapted to application needs, such as to drive electronic circuitry and power the light described below. In certain embodiments, the interior portion 19 of the marking device 10 is accessible by users of the device, such as to change the battery 18 when it expires. In certain embodiments, the battery is a standard size “AA” battery supplying an about 1.2 V to about 3.6 V supply voltage to the electronic components in the device 10, and can be a single use or rechargeable battery of various types, such as an alkaline or lithium-ion battery. Other battery sizes and types may be used as well.

The marker housing 12 also includes a cap 20 configured to sealingly close the housing 12 to protect the battery 18 and other electronic circuitry in the interior portion 19 of the marker housing 12. The cap 20 includes an insertable portion configured to prevent environmental exposure to contents of the interior portion 19.

The cap 20 includes an integrally formed tab 22 having a transverse hole 24 which can be used, for example to hang the device, or through which other marking devices can be affixed to the marker. The cap 20 also includes a protrusion 26 on an insertable portion of the cap which matches with a locking guide 28 on the cylindrical portion of the marker housing 12 to lock the cap 20 into place. A waterproofing structure such as a rubber o-ring or gasket resides around an insertable portion of the cap 20 to form an environmental seal 30 when the cap 20 is inserted and locked into place in the marker housing 12. The environmental seal 30 protects the contents held within the interior portion 19 as well as all of the circuitry within the marker housing 12 from environmental exposure.

An electrical light 32 resides within the interior portion 19 of the marker housing 12, and is positioned such that light can pass through the translucent portion 16. In the embodiment shown, the electrical light 32 resides within the hemispherical translucent portion 16 of the marker housing 12. The electrical light 32 as shown is a Light Emitting Diode (LED) emitting one or more visible and/or infrared wavelengths. Other similar low power electrical light sources can be used, which are visible in clear conditions up to and exceeding 2000 meters away from the marking device 10. The electrical light 32 turns on and off in one or more marking light flashing patterns unique to the marking device, as described below. By combining the use of the variously colored electrical light with unique flashing patterns, the marking device 10 is easily distinguishable from other light sources, and is identifiable at a great distance away at all times of the day or night.

In one embodiment, the electrical light 32 is activated and the one or more light flashing patterns begin once the cap 20 is locked onto the marking device 10. In a second embodiment, a tactile switch (not shown), such as a membrane switch can be used to activate the electrical light 32. Exemplary implementations of circuitry usable for generating the flashing patterns are disclosed below in conjunction with FIGS. 6-7.

The marking device 10 also includes a clip 34 positioned below the marker housing and along the attachment portion 14. The clip 34 is configured to hold a sign, such as a flag indicating one or more types of conditions or hazards located near the marker. The clip 34 locks the marker or sign into a specific position with respect to the marking device 10 (i.e. the two components can pivot about a pole together). In the embodiment shown, the clip 34 is positioned proximate to the translucent portion of the marker housing 12 such that when the electrical light 32 is activated, a marker, such as a sign or flag, held by the clip 34 is illuminated. As previously described, a lens may be incorporated into the translucent portion of the marker housing to direct a portion of the light generated by the electrical light 32 to be directed toward the marker to ensure its visibility at close range, while maintaining high visibility of the light itself at long range (approximately 2,000 meters).

When mounted on a pole, the marking device 10 freely pivots around the pole. By allowing the marking device 10 to pivot, the probability that wind will catch a sign or flag held by the marking device is minimized, thereby minimizing the chance that the pole may become uprooted or otherwise upended.

The marking device 10 also optionally includes additional circuitry configured to provide various types of information. In one example, the marking device 10 includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag capable of transmitting location or identification information regarding the marking device itself or the hazard/condition near the marking device.

Now referring to FIG. 6, a schematic view of an electrical circuit 100 incorporated into a marking device is shown according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure. The electrical circuit is integrable into a variety of types of marking devices, such as marking device 10 described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1-5.

Preferably, the electrical circuit 100 includes a programmable circuit 102 and an electrical light 106. The electrical circuit also includes an energy source, such as the battery 18. Optionally, the electrical circuit also includes a charge pump 104. Configurations of the electrical circuit 100 implementing a red or infrared light emitting diode as the electrical light 32, as well as other configurations, may not incorporate a charge pump. Further circuitry can be included within the electrical circuit as well.

The programmable circuit 102 controls the flashing patterns of the electrical light 106 in such a way to generate a unique flashing pattern. The programmable circuit 102 executes one or more executable instructions to determine whether to turn the light on, turn the light off, or do nothing. In a possible embodiment, an output having a logic level “1” corresponds to activation of the electrical light 106, while an output having a logic level “0” corresponds to deactivation of the electrical light 106. By changing the times the output of the programmable circuit 102 is at each logic level, various flash patterns can be emitted by the electrical light 106.

In one embodiment, the programmable circuit 102 is a microcontroller. The microcontroller is programmable in any of a number of programming languages, such as assembly language, C, or other low-level language. In alternate embodiments, the programmable circuit 102 is a programmable logic device (PLD) such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), or Power ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). In these embodiments, a hardware description language such as Verilog, ABEL, or VHDL defines operation of the programmable circuit 102. An exemplary implementation of an algorithm for generating flashing patterns is described below in conjunction with FIG. 7.

The charge pump 104 provides the electrical energy to the electrical light based on logic level inputs to it from the programmable circuit. Preferably, the charge pump, in general, is a capacitance-based circuit designed to create either a higher or lower voltage energy source to a load than is provided. In the present disclosure, the charge pump converts a logic level “1” enabling the electrical light to a voltage signal capable of powering the light.

The electrical light 106 outputs visible light in various flashing patterns based on the signals provided to the charge pump 104 from the programmable circuit 102. In one embodiment, the electrical light 106 is an incandescent bulb. In a further embodiment, the electrical light 106 is a light emitting diode or other solid-state light emitting device. In various embodiments, the light emitting diode can be a white light emitting diode, an infrared light emitting diode, or a colored light emitting diode. Other light emitting devices can be used as well.

The circuit 100 of FIG. 6 is supplied electrical energy by a battery (not shown) such as the battery 18 of FIG. 1. The battery and circuit 100 are configured to allow for long life usage with a wide range of battery types.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of methods and systems of operating a signaling device in a marking device according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure. In a possible embodiment, the system 200 is embodied in a programmable circuit, such as the programmable circuit 102 described above in conjunction with FIG. 6. Although the effect of the system 200 is described herein with respect to an electrical circuit such as the one shown in FIG. 6, other circuits can be used as well.

The system 200 instantiates at a start operation 202, which corresponds to activating a marking device, such as by pressing an activation button or affixing and sealing a cap to the marking device.

Operational flow proceeds to an initialization operation 204. The initialization operation 204 corresponds to initializing various data values for use within the system 200. For example, time delay values that combine to form light flashing patterns in the marking device change patterns based on time delays set during the “on” and “off” periods for the device. In a possible embodiment, the system 200 initializes to a logic level “0” an activation signal connected via a charge pump to an electrical light. This indicates that the electrical light should not yet be activated.

Operational flow proceeds to an activation module 206. The activation module 206 causes an activation signal to become a logic level “1”. This activation signal can be used, for example, by routing it to a charge pump and in turn to an electrical light, such as electrical light 106 shown in FIG. 6.

Operational flow proceeds to a delay module 208. The delay module 208 delays for a preset period of time, such as defined by a number of clock cycles experienced by a programmable circuit. While the delay module 208 is executing, the activation signal remains in its current logical state, in this case logic level “1”. Therefore, an electrical light activated due to the activation signal remains lit during operation of the delay module.

Operational flow proceeds to a deactivation module 210. The deactivation module 210 causes the activation signal to become a logic level “0”, thereby deactivating the electrical light connected to the signal via the charge pump. Delay module 212 corresponds to delay module 208, and defines the amount of time during which the activation signal remains at logic level “0”, causing the electrical light to remain deactivated.

Operational flow proceeds through the remaining modules in an analogous fashion, causing the activation signal to become a logic level “1” during activation modules 214, 222, and 230, and causing the activation signal to become a logic level “0” during deactivation modules 218, 226, and 234. Delay modules 216, 220, 224, 228, 232, and 236 vary in duration, thereby causing various patterns in which the activation signal changes between logic levels, correspondingly activating or deactivating the electrical light in various flashing patterns.

In use, marking devices according to the present disclosure are usable in a variety of applications and methods. In one example method using the marking device 10 of FIGS. 1-5, a user determines a location to place the marking device 10, such as in the proximity of a hazard, such as a physical, chemical, radiological, or biological hazard. The user vertically locates a pole at the selected location, such as by burying a portion of the pole, or placing a stand at the location, the stand including an upright pole.

The user attaches the marking device 10 to the pole via the attachment portion 14 of the marking device. For example the user can slide the sleeve 15 over the pole and engage the snap fit structure 17 with the pole to rotatably affix the marking device to the pole.

The user also initializes the marking device 10 to activate one or more flashing patterns of the electrical light 32. For example, the user can press a button on the marking device 10 or twist-lock the cap 20 onto the marker housing 12 to activate the marking device 10. To open the device, the user can twist the cap 20 to release the environmental seal. A user would open the device, for example, to replace the battery 18 within the interior portion 19.

The method of operating the marking device is adaptable to various situations or conditions. The marking device 10 can be easily deployed manually by a person wearing protective handgear, despite possible time or visibility restrictions, because of the number and shape of parts involved.

Additionally, the marking device 10 can be configured to hold a variety of types of marking equipment. For example, the marking device 10 can hold a flag using the clip 34. Additional equipment may include marking tape, a chemical light, or other marking equipment.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. 

1. A marking device comprising: a marker housing including: an attachment portion configured to attach the marker housing to a pole; a translucent portion formed around at least a portion of the marker housing; the marker housing further including an environmental seal; an electrical light positioned within the marker housing and oriented toward the translucent portion; a programmable circuit internal to the marker housing and configured to activate the electrical light in one or more marking flashing patterns; wherein the environmental seal is configured to protect the marking equipment and electrical light from external environmental conditions.
 2. The marking device of claim 1, further configured to hold marking equipment.
 3. The marking device of claim 2, wherein the marking equipment includes a flag mountable to the housing.
 4. The marking device of claim 2, wherein the marking equipment includes marking tape.
 5. The marking device of claim 2, wherein the marking equipment includes a chemical light.
 6. The marking device of claim 1, further comprising a clip positioned near the transparent portion and arranged to hold a flag.
 7. The marking device of claim 1, wherein the marker housing is able to swivel around the expandable pole when attached to the pole via the attachment portion.
 8. The marking device of claim 1, further comprising an activation button configured to activate the programmable circuit to selectably activate the electrical light.
 9. The marking device of claim 1, wherein the translucent portion is transparent.
 10. The marking device of claim 1, further comprising an RFID tag mounted within the marker housing.
 11. The marking device of claim 1, further comprising a charge pump electrically connected between the programmable circuit and the electrical light.
 12. The marking device of claim 1, wherein the translucent portion includes a lens arranged to disperse light output from the electrical light.
 13. The marking device of claim 1, wherein the environmental seal allows user access to the interior of the marker housing.
 14. The marking device of claim 1, further comprising a battery configured to power the programmable circuit and the electrical light.
 15. The marking device of claim 1, wherein the attachment portion is reusable.
 16. The marking device of claim 1, wherein the attachment portion is configured to pivotally attach the marker housing to the pole.
 17. The marking device of claim 1, wherein the translucent portion includes a Fresnel lens arranged to disperse light generated from the electrical light.
 18. A method of using a marking device, the method comprising: determining a location to place the marking device; vertically locating a pole at the location; pivotally attaching the marking device to the pole via an attachment portion; initializing the marking device to activate one or more marking flashing patterns.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising twisting a cap of the marking device to release an environmental seal and access the battery compartment within a marker housing of the marking device.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising replacing the battery in the battery compartment.
 21. The method of claim 18, wherein initializing the marking device comprises pressing an activation button.
 22. The method of claim 18, wherein initializing the marking device comprises inserting and twisting a cap of the marking device to form an environmental seal.
 23. A marking device comprising: a marker housing including: an attachment portion including a reusable sleeve and a snap fit structure, the attachment portion configured to pivotally attach the marker housing to a pole; a transparent portion formed around at least a portion of the marker housing, the transparent portion including a lens oriented to disperse light emanating from within the marker housing; an environmental seal configured to protect the marking equipment and electrical light from external environmental conditions; a clip positioned near the transparent portion, the clip configured to hold marking equipment; an electrical light positioned within the transparent portion of the marker housing; and a programmable circuit internal to the marker housing and configured to selectably activate the electrical light in one or more marking flashing patterns.
 24. The marking device of claim 23, wherein the lens is further configured to direct a portion of the light emanating from within the marker housing toward the marking equipment held by the clip. 